Abstract: Benthic fauna is an important component of mangrove ecosystem. This paper summarized the research progress in the biodiversity and distribution of mangrove benthic fauna and related biotic and abiotic affecting factors, and discussed the influence of benthic fauna, especially Sesarmidae crabs, on the structure and function of mangrove ecosystem from the aspects of 1) maintenance of ecosystem primary productivity, 2) enhancement of ecosystem organic matter production, 3) effects on mangrove growth, 4) mitigation of saplings competition stress, and 5)altering sediment properties. In addition to the traditional studies in assemblage structure, biodiversity, and idiobiology, the current researches on the ecology of mangrove benthic fauna are paying more attention on the interactions between the benthic fauna and other marine invertebrates (e.g. Ocypodidae), and the intra- and inter-relationships between benthic fauna and its habitats. It is necessary to further understand the significance of crabs’ biotrubation in the natural regeneration of mangrove and the energy flow of mangrove ecosystem.

Key words: Phosphorus loss, Simulated rainfall, Slope land, Soil tillage, Soil compaction